I don’t know, but I think the post office is slipping a bit these days
I keep getting mail addressed to somebody or a corporation at 69 Charlton Street and, of course, I live at 69 Charles Street.
Recently, two letters were misdirected to me from MOVIE PASS at 69 Charlton, and in the envelope was indeed a plastic, for real, Movie Pass (the end was open a bit). It was addressed to Klancy Johnson in San Luis Obispo and Joshua Garcia in Norwalk California (never heard of this town).
I have sort of heard about Movie Pass—you buy one and go to the movies for really cheap.
Now, years ago, when I was working in corporate communications for computer companies, I sort of remember that the post office was reading addresses electronically, even handwritten ones. I mean, it’s just not possible for a postal clerk to read every envelope and then throw it into the appropriate bag, right?
So, OK, one of the envelopes has a yellow sticker which says, ”Return To Sender,” but another says “Unable to Forward/For review.”
Oh my, what does “For review” mean? I mean, who is going to review it and for what purpose? Are they going to say “I give up” and throw it into the trash bin?
Alright you say, I should give these back to the post mistress when she comes around 2 p.m. on Monday but I can’t stand there waiting for her.
We should have a box that says “RETURN TO POSTAL SERVICE.” But, if I could buy this box at Garber’s Hardware, how would I attach it to the tile wall?
And another thing—for years and years, we had the same postman. One day, he even reminded me of his first name because he wanted to be called by it, and all the neighbors knew him. But now, we seem to have a different postal gal delivering the mail each day, and the only thing they have in common is their weight.
Our newspapers and the postal service both suffer in the digital age, so I should be kinder, but I can remember when first class was 3 cents and a postcard a penny and it seems to me that you didn’t have to hand your postman, Fred, mail that was put into your box incorrectly— he knew you and you knew him.
—George Capsis
Most misdirected mail results from senders not using the 9-digit ZIP which has been around since 1983.
First five digits are the Sectional Center (100) and Zone (14). The next four specify the side of a block, building, or apartment.
Readers can find their ZIP+4 on utility company and bank mailings, who get a discount for using the 9-digits.
The ad on Page 14 of the September issue to subscribe to WestView News shows 69 Charles Street, New York, NY 10014. George, don’t forget to add 2670. Thanks.